MEMORIES of last season’s grand final defeat to the Mariners will spur Western Sydney on today, but Shinji Ono says it’s not revenge they’re after.

After enjoying a steady week of preparation, the Wanderers are overwhelming favourites to reach the grand final for a second consecutive season when they host Central Coast at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday night.

By contrast, the Mariners travelled to Japan for their Asian Champions League match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and only returned to Sydney yesterday.

And while Ono admits the Wanderers have the advantage, the Mariners side is so different to the one that claimed the title last season that the Japanese star doesn’t see the game as a grand final rematch.

“It’s not quite revenge because it’s not the same players or the same style as their team last year,” Ono said.

“So we are just focused on the game and we’re thinking about the win.

“It is tough to travel from Japan, but it’s not a big time difference so it won’t be too hard. But we do have the advantage because we played here on Tuesday and if we play as a team and do everything as a team, we will win.”

The Wanderers enjoyed last weekend off after finishing in second spot on the A-League ladder and went on to thrash Guizhou Renhe 5-0 at home to progress to the knockout stage of the Asian Champions League.

Ono says that result will give the players added confidence when they take to the field.

“Of course on Tuesday we won 5-0 against a Chinese team and we have big confidence from that,” Ono said.

“Popa (Tony Popovic) has used all players in A-League and ACL and everyone has confidence. Now we don’t know yet who will play today, but everyone is ready.”

For Ono, tonight’s match will be his last chance to help his team reach another grand final and even go a step further than they did last year.

Ono has signed for J-League side Consadole Sapporo next season and, while he is looking forward to returning home, says he will always have fond memories of his time at Western Sydney.

“I have had just two seasons here, but I’ve had a great time with this club,” Ono said.

“I have had with great teammates and incredible supporters and I’ve had fantastic two seasons. I will miss it, but I will never forget about what I learned here and what I feel here.”

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